London’s rough sleepers are receiving additional support as the city activates its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) in light of the harsh weather conditions.
This activation allows for emergency shelters to be opened, providing individuals with a warm and safe place to sleep as temperatures plummet below freezing.
Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, emphasized the dangers posed by the cold, noting that for those sleeping outside, it can be “life-threatening and often proves fatal.”
City Hall has indicated that it is collaborating with local councils throughout London to ensure that outreach efforts reach as many rough sleepers as possible during these frigid temperatures.
According to the Met Office, the temperatures are expected to fall to -2°C (28°F) overnight from Saturday to Sunday, with a wind chill factor making it feel like -6°C (21°F).
Additionally, numerous Warm Spaces have reopened across the city in libraries, churches, and community centers, offering individuals a chance to enjoy a hot beverage and warmth during the day.
Catherine de Abaitua, the libraries, venues, and events manager in Hackney, where the community can both collect and donate warm clothing, remarked, “The demand has surged.”
“We’re finding it challenging to provide enough warm coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for those in need.”
Last winter, over 2,000 individuals were accommodated by London boroughs during SWEP activations, according to data from the Greater London Authority (GLA).
The outreach count from 2024 to 2025 revealed that more than 13,000 people were observed as sleeping rough, marking the highest figure recorded on London’s CHAIN database.
The Mayor has encouraged the public to help connect individuals who are rough sleeping with local support services via StreetLink.
He also called on residents to contribute to TAP London, a volunteer-driven non-profit organization assisting those experiencing homelessness, which operates in partnership with the GLA.
In December, City Hall unveiled a Floating Hub service, which will be available at up to 17 locations throughout London to provide ongoing support for long-term rough sleepers.
